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Let's Do Nothing (by )

common sense media says

Fun book about combating boredom; great for lazy afternoons.


parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this may be the perfect book to inspire kids who complain that they have nothing to do. 

Educational value: Shows ways kids can be imaginative.
Positive messages: Two friends play well together and, when they have done everything they can imagine, they try to come up with new ways to do nothing. 
Positive role models: The kids are creative and try to come up with interesting ways to pass the time.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.

More on Let's Do Nothing

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about what kinds of things they like to do with their friends. What games do you play? How do you decide?
  • What did you think of Sal's ideas? Which one did you like best? Is pretending to be a statue, a building, or a tree really doing nothing? What kinds of problems did Frankie have? Why?
  • Can you do nothing for 10 seconds?

What's the story?

What's the story?
After playing every sport and board game, painting, reading, baking cookies, and so on, two boys decide to do nothing, and they find out just how difficult that can be. Sal has helpful ideas, but Frankie just cannot pull it off. 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Doing nothing is harder than it looks. Most kids who read this book will agree, and they will enjoy seeing just how hard these two boys try. The format is simple: Sal comes up with an idea and sets the stage. Frankie has problems. They pretend to be statues, but pigeons land all over Frankie. They try standing as still as trees in a forest, but a dog comes along and marks Frankie's tree. Together they are a real comedy team, and kids will love the humor.

The illustrations, which look a bit like Dennis the Menace cartoons, bring the bit to life. Done in ink, colored pencil, and acrylic on watercolor paper, they will appeal to kids who like cartoon-type animation.  LET'S DO NOTHING is a fun book to give kids a few new ideas about how to fill lazy afternoons.

Cartooning is brightly colored and playfully expressive.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Illustrator: Tony Fucile
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: May 12, 2009
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 7

This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say it's educational

Most useful reviews by all members

brady.tosh.o
parent of 12 year old
 
i loved this book a very funny book

nthnswmn
parent of 4 , 6 , and 8 year old
 

 
Perfect read for any child who wants a good laugh.
My son and I loved it! We both laughed and enjoyed this book.

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